best car seat for newborn Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when deciding on our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat comes with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially true for infant car seat cheap seats, which are only meant to be used for a limited time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easy to set the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.

When you're choosing an portable infant car seat car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to transition to convertible car seats newborn seats. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has a higher weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Ease of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg, which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a child is seated near to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt, and without the requirement for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in car seats for extended periods of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow as well.

A seat that has many unique features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. It's typically found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth stage typically around age two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It is also easy to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best car seats for newborns infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most effective infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.

One thing that may not be a big deal but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if are planning to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to take your baby to the store or for running the errands. You don't have to struggle with an additional carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents trying to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a child.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Some come with features that go beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.